1. Introduction to Animal Cells

2. Characteristics of Animal Cells
They are eukaryotic cells, that means they contain a membrane bound nucleus
They lack a cell wall that plant cells have
Generally they are larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells
Contains membrane bound structures called organelles

3. Plasma Membrane Not an organelle Selectively permeable
Defines boundaries of cell and ensures contents are retained
Made of proteins and lipids
Phospholipid bilayer

4. Nucleus Considered the “Control Center” of the cell
Controls cell activity
Contains nearly all of the cell’s DNA

5. Nucleolus Small, dense region within the nucleus
The beginning site of protein assembly

6. Nuclear Envelope Double membrane that surrounds nucleus
Protects and isolates cell DNA
Selectively permeable
Contains thousands of nuclear pores that allow material to move into and out of the cell

7. Centrioles Located near the nucleus
Help to organize cell division in animal cells

8. Ribosomes Most numerous and smallest organelle
Composed of RNA and proteins
Found throughout cytoplasm and attached to Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
Site of protein synthesis
Made of 2 subunits

9. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
Site where lipid components of cell membrane and proteins are assembled
Site of preparation of material to be exported from the cell
Two types
Rough ER
Smooth ER

10. Endoplasmic Reticulum cont.
Rough ER
Has ribosomes attached to surface
Portion of ER involved in protein synthesis
Smooth ER
Lacks ribosomes
Contains enzymes that are specialized detoxify drugs and synthesize membrane lipids

11. Golgi Apparatus
Site of protein processing, sorting, packing, and transport from ER to be secreted from the cell

12. Mitochondria One of the largest organelles
Breaks down sugar molecules stored in food and converts them to chemical energy for use by the cell (ATP)
Contain their own DNA, RNA, and ribosomes and are able to reproduce themselves

13. Mitochondria cont
The “powerhouse” of the cell

14. Lysosomes & Peroxisomes
Similar in both structure and function
Lysosomes
Filled with enzymes to breakdown and digest dead organelles and proteins not being used
Peroxisomes
Detoxifies hydrogen peroxide and other harmful compounds
Plays a part in the oxidative breakdown of fatty acids in animal cells

15. Vacuoles Saclike structure Storage area for the cell
Stores materials like water, salt, proteins and carbohydrates

16. Cytoskeleton
Network of protein filaments that help cell maintain its shape
Involved in movement of cells